Things to do in Cancun for adults during your vacation (Ideas for couples & groups of friends)

Cancun boasts gorgeous beaches, crystalline waters, and tons of activities to keep the whole group entertained for days.

Cancun

Whether you're headed to Cancun to kick back and relax or go full-throttle on a jet ski, you'll find that there's plenty of fun to be had. If you're looking for the best activities and landmarks to add to your itinerary, check out our list of Cancun must-sees, including...

  • Chichén Itzá and Valladolid
  • Dolphin Encounter and Maroma Beach Club access
  • Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • Snorkel an Underwater Museum
  • Parasail Cancun
  • Tulum Express Tour
  • Shipwreck Snorkeling Experience
  • Paradise SubSee Excursion
  • and more...

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous Mayan temples in Mexico. It's definitely worth a visit to see the famed structure with your own eyes. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the area to take in the historical ruins. As you explore, you'll learn more about the Mayans' advancements in math, science, and architecture.

The temple is one of the most uniquely built historic structures in the area. After you explore Chichén Itzá, it's time for a typical Mexican buffet lunch at Hacienda Selva Maya followed by a cooling dip in the natural cenote Saamal. You'll have plenty of time for a refreshing swim.

On your way back to Cancun, you'll also stop at the colonial town of Valladolid where your guide will provide some top tips and leave you to explore its impressive architecture and quaint pastel-colored buildings.

Getting in: Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Day Trip tickets are included on the All-Inclusive pass as a premium option.

Chichén Itzá

Dolphin encounters

Interacting with dolphins will be a dream come true! Learn all about the playful creatures in your briefing, hop in the pool, and suit up in your life vest ready for your unforgettable experience with these intelligent and gentle mammals.

The dolphins will make you part of their performance. You'll get handshakes, kisses, foot pushes, and maybe even get towed across the pool by their dorsal fin! On top of that, you'll have full access to Maroma Beach Club.

Getting in: Dolphin Encounter and Maroma Beach Club Access is included on the Cancun Explorer Pass.

Swimming with dolphins

Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise

This one is perfect for couples in Cancun looking for a romantic night out. Cruise around the lagoon as the sun sets and enjoy a relaxing evening together. The cruise is complete with a 3-course steak and vegetable meal with delectable desserts. Soak in the sights and dance to the music provided by a live saxophone band. 

Getting in: Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Columbus sunset dinner cruise

Snorkel around an underwater museum

This isn't your typical trip to a museum. Journey out to Paraiso Nizuc for a once-in-a-lifetime experience under the surface. The Underwater Museum is a collection of 16 unique statues that reside below sea level off the coast of Cancun. Hop aboard a motorboat and head to the reef! Aside from this underwater sculpture garden, you'll also see lots of local fish and marine life. You'll have a great time exploring this one-of-a-kind museum. 

Getting in: Underwater Museum Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Underwater museum

Parasailing fun

There's truly no better view of Cancun than the one you'll get from a personal parasailing trip. If you've been parasailing before, you'll know how thrilling the ride can be. If you haven't, you need to add this to your bucket list. It's the only way to experience what it's like to fly! Once you're strapped into the safety gear, you'll take flight from the back of the boat. 

Glide through the air over the crystal blue water and see the view of Cancun's gorgeous beaches unfurl from the highest point. If you're brave, you can even choose to have the captain dip you in the water at the end of your ride. 

Getting in: Parasailing Adventure in Cancun tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Parasailing in Cancun

Isla Mujeres adventure

Isla Mujeres is a small island located 20 minutes off the coast of Cancun where you'll find some of the best white sand beaches. While the island is only 10 miles long, there's plenty to see and do here. The island exudes a vibe of relaxation and enjoyment. Spend the day at the Beach Club where you'll have access to the pool and all of the club's amenities. Once you've lounged to your heart's content by the pool or at the beach, grab a bike and explore the island fully. 

Bike up one of the many cliffs for picturesque views of the island on the coast of Cancun. If you pedal into the heart of downtown Isla Mujeres, make sure to stop at a few of the local-owned shops and pick up souvenirs. 

Getting in: Isla Mujeres Discovery Sail tickets are included on Go Cancun pass. 

Isla Mujeres

Tulum Express tour

Cancun is full of beautiful beaches and tons of activities, but that's not all there is to it. There are many ancient Mayan temples and ruins in the surrounding areas that serve as a large part of Mexico's history. Journey to nearby Tulum to see some of the ruins for yourself. 

Your tour guides will take you to some of the most notable sights and provide a background of their importance. You'll learn more about the Mayan civilization and how it shaped so much of what we know today. Once you've had your fill of the temples, take some time to explore the beaches. Relax on the coastline or take a leisurely walk up to the cliffs for unbeatable views. 

Getting in: Tulum Express Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Mayan temples

Underwater shipwreck snorkeling

Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel over the only shipwreck site in Cancun. Whether you're an expert swimmer or a newbie, this is perfect for adventurers of every skill level. Once aboard the boat, you'll head out to reefs just 5 minutes off the coast for two hours of uninterrupted snorkeling exploration.

Start off at El Meco, the best-preserved reef on the Great Mayan Reef. As you swim around, you'll see colorful fish, local marine animals, and maybe even sea turtles. 

Your next stop will be the Underwater Museum, where you can admire the 16 different statues that reside under the water. And of course, save the best for last! The final stop of your snorkeling adventure will be at the shipwreck site. You'll be able to swim over the ship and explore the ruins of the wreck below. 

Getting in: Reef, Turtle, and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Shipwreck snorkeling

Paradise SubSee excursion

Hop aboard this half-boat, half-submarine hybrid for a unique ride in the water. The submarine-like vessel will allow you to see all the wonders of the water without having to get wet. The SubSee will take you past gorgeous reefs and the Underwater Museum. The guide on board will point out notable structures and local fish as you cruise by. 

Getting in: Paradise SubSee Excursion tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Subsee

Shopping in Playa del Carmen

One of the most famous spots in Playa Del Carmen is lively Fifth Avenue. The 22-block shopping oasis is full of popular restaurants, souvenir shops, and activities. Head down to Playa del Carmen from Cancun for a day full of exploration. Your tour guide will bring you to all the best shops, from locally-owned craft shops to name-brand stores like H&M. There's an endless amount of stores to visit - shoppers will love this trip. 

Even if shopping isn't your ideal vacation activity, this is still a great tour to take - Fifth Avenue is more than just stores and restaurants! There are a few different public parks and beaches that line the street that are all easy to get to

Getting in: Shopping in Playa Del Carmen Tour tickets are included on all Cancun passes.

Playa del Carmen

Save up to 50% on Cancun attractions

Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions from Isla Mujeres to Paradise SubSee

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Pick whichever Cancun attraction pass suits you, and save while you sightsee!

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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Cancun Rain
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Things to Do in Cancun When it Rains

Cancun is known as a beach paradise with endless sunshine and warmth, but every so often you may catch a rainy day. Just in case you are in Cancun when it rains, you might want to have a backup plan. Here are our favorite indoor activities and rainy day trip ideas for Cancun. Interactive Aquarium Cancun Shopping Tours Taco and Beer Tasting Tour Bars and Restaurants Museo Maya de Cancun Interactive Aquarium Cancun Located right in the Isla Vista Shopping Mall, Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the perfect place to take the whole family if the weather isn't all sunshine and beaches. Instead, bring beach life inside and discover Cancun's exciting marine life. You can easily spend the day here, with plenty of touch tanks, fish tanks, and volunteer-led presentations. Watch as dolphins splash around their habitat or get to know the feeling of a sting ray's slimy back as they zip around the tanks. You'll forget you're indoors and not at the beach. Shopping tours While these shopping tours aren't completely out of the rain, you might find it worthwhile to endure a drop or two as you pop in and out of the shops. Shop the streets of Playa del Carmen or peruse the booths at Mercado 28 in Cancun (or do both!) on a guided tour of these two city's shopping districts. What better excuse to spend a couple of hours shopping than rain? Playa del Carmen Hop aboard the bus and head down to Playa del Carmen, another popular resort destination just outside of Cancun. Your tour guide will lead you down Fifth Avenue, the longest stretch of shops and goods in the area. You can shop anything from local-owned boutiques to popular international brands like H&M. Cancun On this guided tour, you'll find other places to shop besides La Isla. Your guide will take you to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas - a shopper's paradise. Mercado 28 is set up just like a flea market, with locally made goods and gifts perfect for friends back home. Plaza Las Americas offers well-known stores like Victoria's Secret, Sears, and Adidas Take your tastebuds on a food tour Immerse yourself in the local cuisine on a Colors of Mexico Taco Tour and Local Beer Tasting. This fantastic foodie tour will keep you out of the rain for an evening whilst you indulge in the best taquerias in town. You'll stop at four local restaurants, all chosen to take you on a journey through Mexico. Feast on tacos de cochinita, tacos coapeñito, tacos de surtido, and tacos al pastor as you explore the best food Cancun has to offer. With a perfectly paired beer (or soft drink) at every stop, you'll never want this tour to end! Your knowledgeable guide will make this unique experience all the better, on-hand to give you a complete history of Mexico's culture, food traditions, and little-known facts about their most delectable secret ingredients. Hit the bars and restaurants  There are plenty of local bars and restaurants in Cancun to explore if your trip to the beach is canceled at the last minute. Find somewhere to settle down for the afternoon to enjoy some delicious seafood and perfectly refreshing drinks. Fred's House is just the place for a bite and a drink. This American-style seafood restaurant offers beautiful views and private cabana seating that keeps you out of the weather's way. Being inside doesn't have to mean missing out on Cancun's views! If you're just stopping in for a quick drink, grab a seat at the bar and use your pass for $20 towards drinks. Will you sip on a piña colada or a beer? Museo Maya de Cancun Check out one of Cancun's best art and anthropological museums: Museo Maya de Cancun. This museum holds one of the most important collections of Mayan artifacts, from jewelry to ceramics and sculptures. There are nearly 400 pieces on display, all showcasing Mayan culture. This museum is definitely worth a visit. You'll head home with a wealth of knowledge – not just a tan! Rainy day savings galore See? You can stay dry all while having plenty of fun indoors in Cancun when it rains. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoorsy itinerary for your trip! It's always good to have a backup plan, just in case. Save up to 50% on Cancun attractions   Discover our full line-up of Cancun attractions, from Xcaret Park to parasailing adventures. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.     😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 
Nicole Muto
Parasailing Adventure
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Cancun Itinerary - 3 Days in Cancun for First-Time Visitors

Heading to the tropical paradise of Cancun but aren’t sure how to make the most of your amazing vacation? To help you maximize the fun on your Mexican vacay, we’ve put together a list of our top things to do when you’ve got three days in Cancun. From swimming and sailing to arts and culture to relaxing beachside with a cool drink, this itinerary has it all. Plus, this suggested itinerary also helps you save money on admission to Cancun’s top attractions and activities. This 3-Day Itinerary Includes: Swimming with Dolphins at Isla Mujeres 90-minute Surf Lesson Cancun Wax Museum Interactive Aquarium Cancun Isla Mujeres Discovery Catamaran Sail And more! Are you spending less time in Cancun? Check out our 1-day in Cancun itinerary and our weekend in Cancun itinerary for more fun ideas. Day 1Stop #1: VIP Swimming with Dolphins at Isla Mujeres (All Day) Day 2Stop #1: 90-minute Surf Lesson Stop #2: Cancun Wax Museum   Next, you’ll want to take some time to enjoy a little bit of Mexican culture with the visit to the Cancun Wax Museum. With more than 1,000 life-like wax creations, this fascinating institution is a great place to see the people who most inspire Mexico. These inspirational people hail from around the world, too, including everyone from Barack Obama to Queen Elizabeth to Amy Winehouse. We recommend reserving between 1 and 2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: FlowRider at Aquaworld Day 3Stop #1: Luxury Catamaran Sailing Tour Stop #2: Drinks at Fred’s   But wait, one last thing! If you’ve got any energy left after your day-long excursion to Isla Mujeres, head to Fred’s House! This modern American seafood restaurant and oyster bar offers plenty of delicious cocktails, cold beers, chilled wines, and more. With a pass from Go City, you can enjoy drinks at Fred’s with $20 towards drinks, and head home happy! Save on Attraction Admission So these are a few suggestions for how to most fully enjoy your three days in Cancun. Experience the best of swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and sailing that this tropical wonderland has to offer, and combine that with a little bit of culture, and you’ve got one fantastic vacation. If you want to pay less for your fun in the sun, pick up a pass for Cancun with Go City and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. This itinerary calls for a 3-Day pass, which can help you make huge savings on admission fees for these and other exciting attractions in Cancun.
Katie Sagal

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